Introduction
The Riga International Biennial of Contemporary Art (RIBOCA) is a forward-thinking art platform founded in 2016 that staged its first exhibition in 2018. Conceived with a strong European focus and regional profile, RIBOCA creates opportunities for local and international artists to engage with the rich cultural context of Riga and the Baltic states through newly commissioned works and exhibitions exploring contemporary social, political, and environmental concerns.
Unlike traditional art biennials that often prioritize international prestige over local relevance, RIBOCA has established itself as a critical site for artistic experimentation that genuinely engages with the Baltic region's complex history and present challenges. Each edition features a significant proportion of artists from Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, and surrounding countries, creating meaningful dialogue between regional artistic practices and global contemporary art discourse.
Curatorial Approach
RIBOCA approaches contemporary art within a framework that acknowledges criticisms of the proliferation of biennial culture, or "biennialisation" as it has been called. Its model prioritizes artists, artistic production, and meticulous presentation while creating a platform that meaningfully connects the artistic landscape of the Baltic region with international contemporary practice.
The biennial works from a local foundation, expanding outward to engage with national, regional, and finally transnational concerns. This approach seeks to avoid the homogenization that can occur in international exhibitions, instead creating space for the specific histories and cultural contexts of the Baltic region to inform a broader dialogue about contemporary art and society.
Each edition of RIBOCA is conceived by a different curator, allowing for fresh perspectives and approaches. The biennial takes a deliberately reflective stance toward the rapidly changing social, political, and technological landscapes of our time, with each edition responding to different aspects of contemporary life while remaining anchored in its Baltic context.
History & Editions
RIBOCA was founded in 2016 by Lithuanian-Russian-born Agniya Mirgorodskaya, with the goal of creating a significant platform for contemporary art in the Baltic region. The biennial has quickly established itself as an important voice in both the regional and international art scenes, drawing attention to the rich artistic production of the Baltic states.
Foundation of the Riga International Biennial of Contemporary Art
RIBOCA1: "Everything Was Forever, Until It Was No More" – Curated by Katerina Gregos, featuring 104 artists across seven venues in Riga and one in Jūrmala
Appointment of Rebecca Lamarche-Vadel as chief curator for the second edition
RIBOCA2: "and suddenly it all blossoms" – Curated by Rebecca Lamarche-Vadel, reimagined as a film due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Appointment of René Block as chief curator for the third edition
RIBOCA3: "Exercises in Respect" – Curated by René Block with associate curator Nico Anklam
Notable Artists
RIBOCA has featured over 200 international and Baltic artists across its editions, with a strong focus on commissioning new works that respond directly to the context of Riga and the Baltic region. The biennial champions both emerging and established artists, particularly those from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and surrounding countries.
Andris Eglītis
Latvian artist whose paintings and installations explore decay and transformation in post-Soviet architectural spaces.
Ariane Loze
Belgian artist known for her video works exploring identity, social structures, and psychological states.
Erik Kessels
Dutch artist and curator whose work challenges perceptions through photographic interventions and found imagery.
Katrīna Neiburga
Latvian multimedia artist whose video installations examine contemporary life through surreal narratives.
Exhibition Venues
RIBOCA has utilized a diverse range of venues across Riga, transforming historical buildings, industrial spaces, and cultural institutions into dynamic exhibition sites. The selection of venues plays a crucial role in the biennial's engagement with the city's layered history and changing urban landscape.
Key Venues
Andrejsala (Andrew's Island)
Former industrial port area that became the primary venue for RIBOCA2 and RIBOCA3, offering vast spaces for large-scale installations.
Former Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia
Historic academic building repurposed as an exhibition space for works exploring scientific and technological themes.
Residence of Kristaps Morbergs
Historic apartment of a Latvian patron of the arts, providing an intimate setting for works engaging with collective memory.
Bolshevichka Textile Factory
Former industrial complex hosting works exploring entropy, decay, and post-industrial transformation.
Art Station Dubulti
Contemporary art space housed in a functioning Soviet-era train station in Jūrmala, a coastal resort town near Riga.
Museum of Decorative Arts and Design
Historic building (former St. George's Church) that hosted exhibitions of prints and other works during RIBOCA3.
Exhibition Gallery
Video Tour
Explore the atmosphere and artwork of the Riga International Biennial of Contemporary Art through this video overview of a past edition.
Instagram Feed
Stay updated with the latest news and behind-the-scenes content from RIBOCA on Instagram.
Venue Locations
The Riga International Biennial of Contemporary Art takes place across multiple venues in Riga, with Andrejsala serving as the main exhibition site in recent editions. The biennial transforms diverse spaces throughout the city, allowing visitors to experience both the artwork and Riga's unique urban environment.